North Korea launched one of its most powerful intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM) early Thursday morning, intensifying regional tensions and drawing renewed international scrutiny. The launch marks Kim Jong Un’s first weapons test since facing accusations of sending North Korean soldiers to Russia to support Moscow’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This latest missile test adds to growing concerns over North Korea’s military intentions, with heightened regional anxiety over its collaboration with Russia and increasing missile capabilities.
The South Korean military, in a statement released soon after the missile launch, reported that the missile was fired from the vicinity of Pyongyang around 7:10 a.m. local time (2210 GMT). The missile reportedly traveled an unprecedented distance over the Sea of Japan, often referred to as the East Sea in South Korea, indicating that it may possess improved long-range capabilities. The test, coming just days ahead of the U.S. elections, underscores escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula and highlights the wider geopolitical entanglements involving Pyongyang, Moscow, and Washington.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) confirmed the launch and assessed that it was a long-range missile fired on a “lofted trajectory,” a high-angle flight path intended to avoid crossing over neighboring countries’ airspace. The JCS added that the South Korean military has “heightened its alert level” and is actively sharing intelligence with both the United States and Japan, stressing that the region remains under close observation. Japan’s Defense Ministry also confirmed the launch, with Defense Minister Gen Nakatani reporting that the missile’s flight duration exceeded that of any previous North Korean test.
“It was the longest time flying of any missile so far,” Nakatani stated, indicating the possibility of advancements in North Korea’s missile technology. “I think it may be different from conventional missiles,” he added, hinting at potential new developments in North Korea’s ICBM capabilities.
According to South Korea’s Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), preparations for the ICBM test had been underway for some time. Lawmakers were briefed on the imminent possibility of an ICBM launch on Wednesday, with the DIA suggesting that North Korea was likely testing its atmospheric reentry technology – a critical component in ensuring the missile’s ability to strike distant targets. The agency also noted that transporter erector launchers, mobile missile launch systems that enhance flexibility in launch sites, had been moved into position, though no missile had yet been mounted at the time of the briefing.
The missile launch came mere hours after a joint statement by the United States and South Korea urging Pyongyang to withdraw its alleged troops stationed in Russia. The joint declaration warned that North Korean soldiers, reportedly outfitted in Russian military uniforms, may be deployed in combat against Ukrainian forces, signaling a potentially unprecedented level of military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Although North Korea has denied deploying troops to Russia, Vice Foreign Minister Im Chon Il recently stated that any such collaboration with Russia would be “in line with international law.”
South Korea’s Defense Ministry condemned the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, describing the move as a “significant security threat” to both regional and global stability. An unnamed South Korean presidential official stated, “The movement of thousands of North Korean troops to western Russia suggests they are unlikely to have gone merely for observation,” emphasizing that North Korea’s alignment with Russia has far-reaching implications for the balance of power in East Asia.
Seoul has further hinted at the possibility of revising its long-standing policy against supplying weapons to active conflict zones, particularly in light of these developments. South Korea has refrained from directly arming Ukraine, opting instead for economic and humanitarian support. However, a government spokesperson revealed on Wednesday that the administration is reviewing the option to provide direct military assistance to Ukraine if the situation demands.
The North Korean-Russian alliance took a new turn in June this year when Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a mutual defense pact, intensifying North Korea’s alignment with Moscow. Since then, South Korea and its Western allies have voiced concerns over increased shipments of North Korean arms to Russia, aimed at bolstering Moscow’s resources amid the prolonged Ukraine conflict. Experts suggest this military alliance could provide Russia with ammunition supplies while offering North Korea technological know-how to advance its ballistic and nuclear capabilities.
Analysts believe that Kim Jong Un’s recent moves may be part of a broader strategy to secure a robust military partnership with Russia, especially aLS
